I stood in front of my mirror, my fire nation silk robes laid out on my bed that stood beside me. I dressed myself, combing my coal black hair back into a topknot, the fire nation crown on my head. The gold gleamed in the sunlight like a dancing flame.
“Where is my seamstress? Call her in.” I told my servant who stood outside my door, waiting for me to finish.
“Yes, sir.” He answered, walking away with fast, measured strides and a straight back.
A few minutes passed with me sitting on my bed, pondering about what I should dress in. I decided that, in honor of the fact that I would be in Earth Kingdom territory I would incorporate their style of clothing, but also having the fire nation’s style mixed into it.
“Good Morning, Fire Lord Zuko.” The old Seamstress’ raspy voice greeted me.
“Good morning. I would like you to make me something I can wear to an Ignis Festival, which incorporates Fire Nation into Earth Kingdom clothing. I want you to have in ready by noon. Does that sound doable?” I said, keeping my voice monotone.
“Yes, yes, of course. Six hours will be more than enough for such clothing. I shall make it from the finest silk, and will bring it to you once it is ready.” The old woman answered, bowing her head respectfully as she exited my room, mumbling about how she would design my clothing.
I squinted, barely able to make out the great walls of Ba Sing Se from the air. But we were definitely there, the sounds and smells from the grand city drifting through the sky, carried by the wind. After a few more minutes of slowly descending and flying, the green Earth Kingdom symbol came into view.
“We will land in front of the main entrance.” Aang told me, pointing towards a spot in the wall. He seemed weird lately, more tense than usual. I wondered what was going on with him. It was horrible seeing him so out of spirit, as if life had been taken from him. It was terrifying how much responsibility he had at just the age of thirteen, how much his travels must have wore him.
We landed soon enough with a loud thud, Appa’s giant tale managing to land on the poor cabbage merchants’ load.
“My cabbages!” He wailed in horror.
“Sorry!” I called back.
Once we were off of Appa, Aang told him to find a safe spot to rest. Bringing a ten ton flying bison into the city was not a smart idea.
“Good day, Avatar. Good day, Princess.” The two guards who stood by the gates greeted us. We said hello back to them as they opened the walls for us, letting Aang and I pass through.
A bell rang in the distance, echoing along the shops and houses.
“Noon.” Aang informed me. I nodded. That meant I could shop for my dress for the rest of the day, then I could take a day off tomorrow to explore the city with the old Gaang.
“I am going to the city seamstress.” I informed Aang. “Do you want to come?” I wasn’t sure if he wanted any special clothing for himself.
“Of course.” Aang replied with a smile, taking my hand. “Ba Sing Se is a beautiful city, isn’t it?” He asked me.
“Yes. It really is.”
“Sire, the ships are ready.” Lee, the general told me.
“No, I will take the Flying Lizard’s” I replied. “I want to get there by nightfall. And I will be traveling with my uncle. No guards.”
“But, my lord-”
“No buts. Two Flying Lizards should be awaiting me in front of the palace by the time I get my uncle.”
